Joel Embiid’s surprise return actually cost 76ers despite the win

Joel Embiid’s return might have helped give the Philadelphia 76ers a win, but they were hit with a hefty fine by the NBA.

The Philadelphia 76ers appeared to be doomed through the first two games of their second round series against the Miami Heat, as they were without Joel Embiid. Yet, the star was able to return from a concussion and an orbital fracture for Game 3 on Friday, May 6, and helped them defeat the Heat 99-79. The 76ers may have won the game, but they also picked up a hefty fine.

On Saturday, the NBA fined the 76ers $50,000 for violating the league’s injury reporting rules in regards to Embiid’s return. In particular, the league said the 76ers “failed to disclose center-forward Joel Embiid’s participation status in an accurate and timely manner prior to Game 3.”

76ers fined by NBA for violating injury reporting rules in regards to Joel Embiid’s return

On the night before Game 3, the team initially ruled out Embiid. Yet on the morning of the game, the 76ers announced that Embiid had cleared concussion protocols. That afternoon, they updated his status to doubtful. Sure enough, he was named to the starting lineup that night shortly before the game.

The 76ers star picked up those injuries back in Game 6 of their first round series against the Toronto Raptors. Prior to those injuries, Embiid tore a ligament in his right thumb, which he will get surgery on during the offseason.

Embiid played a total of 36 minutes against Miami and he managed to record a double-double by scoring 18 points (5-for-12 from the field, 8-for-10 on free throws) and grabbing 11 rebounds.

The 76ers look to even up the series at two games apiece with a Game 4 win on Sunday, May 8. That game will start at 8:00 p.m. ET.